Part 2, Chapter 17 Summary

After sixteen years in prison and three years since her last clemency hearing, Elaine walks into her second clemency hearing. She wears her best shirt and a skirt. Three other women fight for clemency as well, and it is like a competition between them. Elaine has moved from the prison block to the prison's "honor floor," then to Fiske Cottage, which is known as "super-honor." She does everything she can to strengthen her chances for clemency, including not being in the cell block with the other girls she likes so much. She offers to train guide dogs for the blind for no pay. When Elaine walks into the room for her clemency hearing she is ready. She is calm when asked, "how have you changed since your last appearance before the parole board? What programs have you been involved in?" And...